Ferrer-Salat's passion for horse riding began early. She recalls sleeping in the barn during summer holidays to wake up early and ride. At 15, she joined the Real Barcelona Polo Club. Her father bought her first horse after seeing her dedication. Dressage teacher Pepe Arno played a crucial role in her early training.

Training and Achievements

She trains for seven hours daily from 07:00 to 14:00 and does physical training three afternoons a week. Her dedication has led to significant achievements. She won medals at the 2002 World Equestrian Games (WEG) and the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. These accomplishments are among her most memorable sporting moments.

Influences and Philosophy

Her father has been the most influential person in her career. She admires Spanish tennis player Arantxa Sanchez Vicario and German dressage rider Jessica von Bredow-Werndl. Ferrer-Salat believes that an athlete's true essence is forged through daily hard work away from the spotlight.

Injuries and Recovery

Ferrer-Salat has faced several injuries throughout her career. In January 2020, she broke her hip and tailbone after falling off her horse. She began walking with a frame two months later and resumed riding by May 2020. She also sustained a rib injury in August 2017, missing the European Championships that year.

Awards and Honours

In 2022, she received the Filet d'Or from the Equestrian Federation of Catalonia. She also earned the Silver Plaque of the Royal Order of Sports Merit in 2006 alongside her team for their performance at the 2004 Olympics. In 2004, she was named Best Sportswoman of the Year by the Superior Council of Sports in Spain.

Milestones

Ferrer-Salat is the first female dressage rider representing Spain to win medals at the Olympic Games, WEG, and European Championships. She claimed individual silver and team bronze at the 2002 WEG and won team silver and individual bronze at both the 2003 European Championships and the 2004 Olympics.

Family Background

Her father Carlos Ferrer was a Spanish tennis champion in 1953 and served as president of the Spanish Olympic Committee when Barcelona was selected as host city for the 1992 Olympics. Her husband Rafael Fontana is a renowned lawyer in Spain.

Ambitions

Ferrer-Salat aims to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Post-competition, she plans to become a coach and establish a foundation to care for animals in Spain. She believes it is time for younger riders to take centre stage.

Other Activities

In September 2018, she was elected to the athletes' committee of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). Earlier that year, she joined the High Performance Sport Commission of the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE). In June 2017, she became a founding member of the athletes' commission set up by the Royal Spanish Equestrian Federation (RFHE).

Early Training

Around 1990, Ferrer-Salat went to Germany for further training in Munster with the Theodorescu family for five years. From 1995, she trained with Herbert Rehbein in Hamburg before returning to Spain in 1997.

Villa Equus

In 2004, Ferrer-Salat took ownership of Villa Equus in Gualba, where she trains horses and riders. This facility has been central to her training regime and success over the years.

Beatriz Ferrer-Salat's journey is marked by dedication, resilience, and significant achievements in dressage. As she looks forward to competing in Paris 2024, her legacy continues to inspire many within equestrian sports.